Pope Leo XIV made a passionate plea for “no more war” during his first Sunday address at the Vatican, calling on world powers to pursue peace in multiple conflict zones.
The newly selected pontiff addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging for an “authentic, true and lasting peace” as quickly as possible. He called for the release of all prisoners and the return of children to their families.
Regarding Gaza, Pope Leo expressed being “deeply hurt” by events there and demanded an immediate ceasefire, entry of humanitarian aid for civilians, and the release of all hostages.
The Pope also welcomed Saturday’s ceasefire between India and Pakistan, expressing hope that “through the coming negotiations we might soon come to a lasting accord.”
“I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always current call: ‘no more war’,” he told the crowd from St. Peter’s Basilica’s central balcony.
“The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago…now we’re facing the tragedy of a third world war in pieces.”
His remarks came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed competing peace plans for the three-year Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Israel has cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza and resumed military operations following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire agreement. India and Pakistan agreed to a tentative ceasefire Saturday after days of cross-border strikes following an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Pope Leo, selected Thursday following Pope Francis’ death, also recited the Regina Caeli prayer honoring the Virgin Mary to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square. On Saturday, he visited a shrine outside Rome before praying at Francis’ tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.
The pontiff will be formally inaugurated at a May 18 mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Three years ago, as Bishop Robert Prevost, he denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an imperialist war and condemned alleged crimes against humanity there. On Sunday, he echoed his predecessor in calling for peace.
During his Saturday meeting with cardinals, Pope Leo described himself as an unworthy choice, vowing to continue Francis’ “precious legacy.” He emphasized missionary work, dialogue, and care for the “least and rejected.” The Pope explained he chose the name Leo after a 19th-century pontiff known for social justice teachings, and suggested the Church remains necessary today for defending human dignity amid AI and technological advances.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, the 69-year-old worked extensively as a missionary in Peru and holds Peruvian nationality. Though American-born, the Vatican described him as the second pope from the Americas after Argentina’s Pope Francis.
Pope Leo, widely viewed as a moderate sharing Francis’ positions on migrants, poverty and environmental issues, told crowds he wanted “to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice.”
The new pontiff will lead the global Catholic community of 1.4 billion people and meet with media Monday before his formal inauguration ceremony, which will be attended by numerous heads of state and dignitaries.
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